10878129

Classification of Gui Items According to Exposure to Security Sensitive Operations

PublishedDecember 29, 2020
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Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
21 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A computer-implemented method for reducing a risk of application errors by disabling application interface elements, the method comprising: developing a mapping associated with an application, the mapping linking a plurality of application interface elements with a plurality of hooks associated with invocation of the plurality of application interface elements; identifying a permissions profile associated with an identity interacting with the application, the permissions profile specifying rights of the identity to invoke one or more of the plurality of application interface elements; determining, based on the permissions profile, an application interface element from the plurality of application interface elements that the identity is not permitted to invoke; and disabling the application interface element from being invoked by the identity through the application, wherein the disabling of the application interface element includes at least one of: changing a visual appearance of the application interface element, or preventing a graphical depiction of the application interface element.

Plain English Translation

A computer-implemented method for reducing application errors by dynamically disabling unauthorized interface elements based on user permissions. The system first creates a mapping between application interface elements and their invocation hooks, establishing which UI components can be interacted with. It then retrieves a permissions profile for the current user, which defines which interface elements the user is authorized to access. Using this profile, the system identifies any interface elements the user lacks permission to invoke. These unauthorized elements are then disabled to prevent potential errors, either by altering their visual appearance (e.g., graying out or hiding them) or by preventing their graphical depiction from rendering in the application interface. This approach ensures users can only interact with permitted functions, reducing the risk of incorrect operations or system errors while maintaining a clean and intuitive user experience.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the permissions profile is configurable and unique to the identity.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for managing access permissions in a digital system, specifically addressing the need for flexible and identity-specific permission control. The method involves creating and maintaining a permissions profile that is both configurable and uniquely associated with a particular identity, such as a user, device, or application. This profile defines the specific access rights, privileges, or restrictions applicable to that identity within the system. The configurable nature of the permissions profile allows administrators or authorized users to dynamically adjust access rules based on changing requirements, such as role changes, project needs, or security policies. The uniqueness of the profile ensures that each identity receives a tailored set of permissions, reducing the risk of overprivileged access or unauthorized actions. This approach enhances security by enforcing the principle of least privilege while maintaining operational flexibility. The method may integrate with existing identity and access management (IAM) systems, authentication protocols, or directory services to enforce these permissions in real time. It could also support hierarchical or group-based permission structures, where a base profile is inherited or modified by more granular sub-profiles. The system ensures that permission changes are applied consistently across all relevant resources, such as files, databases, or network services, without requiring manual updates to each individual asset.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the permissions profile is configurable and associated with a group to which the identity belongs.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for managing access permissions in a digital system. It addresses the challenge of efficiently assigning and adjusting permissions for users within an organization by introducing a configurable permissions profile linked to a user's group membership. This approach allows administrators to define and modify access rights at the group level rather than individually for each user, simplifying permission management and ensuring consistency across the organization. The method involves creating a permissions profile that can be customized based on the specific needs of a group, such as a department or role within the company. When a user is added to or removed from a group, their access permissions are automatically updated to match the group's profile. This reduces administrative overhead and minimizes the risk of errors or unauthorized access due to misconfigured permissions. The system leverages group-based permissions to streamline access control while maintaining flexibility for fine-tuning individual exceptions if needed. By associating permissions with groups, the method enhances scalability and adaptability in dynamic environments where user roles and responsibilities frequently change.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising generating a graphical user interface associated with the application, the graphical user interface including a plurality of enabled application interface elements and a plurality of disabled application interface elements.

Plain English Translation

The method also involves creating a visual interface for the application that has both interactive elements you can use and inactive elements you can't.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the mapping is based on a classification of the plurality of application interface elements in terms of their privileged access requirements.

Plain English Translation

A computer-implemented method classifies and maps application interface elements based on their privileged access requirements to enhance security and access control. The method involves analyzing multiple interface elements within a software application to determine their access privileges, such as administrative, user-level, or restricted access. These elements are then categorized and mapped to corresponding access control policies or security frameworks. This classification ensures that sensitive or privileged operations are only accessible to authorized users, reducing unauthorized access risks. The method may also integrate with authentication systems to enforce these mappings dynamically, adjusting access based on user roles or contextual factors. By systematically categorizing interface elements by their security needs, the system improves compliance with security policies and minimizes vulnerabilities in application interfaces. This approach is particularly useful in environments where fine-grained access control is critical, such as enterprise software or systems handling sensitive data. The method may also include logging and monitoring features to track access attempts and detect potential security breaches.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the mapping is developed through a learning process involving the invocation of the plurality of application interface elements.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to computer-implemented methods for developing mappings between application interface elements through a learning process. The technology addresses the challenge of efficiently mapping and interacting with multiple application interface elements, which is critical in software systems where dynamic or complex user interfaces are involved. The method involves a learning process where the system invokes a plurality of application interface elements to understand their functions and relationships. By analyzing the responses or behaviors triggered by these invocations, the system builds a mapping that defines how these elements interact with each other or with underlying system components. This mapping can then be used to optimize user interactions, automate workflows, or improve system responsiveness. The learning process may involve iterative testing, pattern recognition, or machine learning techniques to refine the mapping over time. The invention is particularly useful in environments where interface elements are frequently updated or where user interactions need to be dynamically adapted based on real-time data. The method ensures that the system remains responsive and accurate in its interactions, even as the interface elements evolve.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 6 , wherein the learning process is automated.

Plain English Translation

A computer-implemented method automates the learning process in a machine learning system. The method involves training a machine learning model using a dataset, where the training process is fully automated without manual intervention. The system dynamically adjusts training parameters, such as learning rates, batch sizes, or model architectures, based on performance metrics or predefined rules. The automation extends to hyperparameter tuning, feature selection, and model validation, ensuring efficient and scalable training. The method may also include iterative refinement, where the model continuously improves by incorporating new data or feedback. This approach reduces the need for human oversight, accelerates model development, and enhances consistency in performance. The automated learning process is particularly useful in environments where rapid adaptation or large-scale deployment is required, such as real-time analytics, autonomous systems, or personalized recommendation engines. The system may integrate with existing machine learning frameworks or operate as a standalone solution, depending on the implementation. The automation ensures that the learning process remains robust, adaptable, and efficient across different applications.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 6 , wherein the learning process is based on static analysis of a control flow associated with the application.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for improving software security by analyzing control flow in applications. The method focuses on detecting vulnerabilities by examining the static structure of an application's control flow, which includes the sequence and branching of program execution paths. This approach helps identify potential security risks without executing the application, reducing the likelihood of runtime errors or unintended side effects. The method involves a learning process that extracts and analyzes control flow information, such as function calls, conditional branches, and loops, to build a model of the application's behavior. By comparing this model against known security patterns or attack vectors, the system can flag suspicious or vulnerable code segments. The static analysis ensures that the method is efficient and scalable, as it does not require dynamic execution of the application. This technique is particularly useful for identifying issues like buffer overflows, injection attacks, or improper access controls, which are often missed by traditional dynamic analysis tools. The method can be integrated into development workflows to enhance security during the coding phase, reducing the need for costly post-deployment fixes. The static analysis approach also allows for thorough examination of all possible execution paths, providing a more comprehensive security assessment than runtime testing alone.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the disabling of the application interface element is performed remotely from the application.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for remotely disabling application interface elements to enhance security and control in software applications. The technology addresses the problem of unauthorized or unintended access to sensitive application features, which can lead to security vulnerabilities, misuse, or operational errors. The method involves a centralized control mechanism that can remotely disable specific interface elements within an application, preventing user interaction with those elements. This remote disabling is performed without requiring modifications to the application itself, allowing for dynamic and scalable control over application functionality. The system ensures that disabled elements remain non-functional regardless of user actions, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or accidental misuse. The method is particularly useful in environments where strict access controls are necessary, such as enterprise software, financial applications, or systems handling sensitive data. By decoupling the disabling mechanism from the application logic, the solution provides flexibility in managing interface elements across multiple applications or user groups. The remote control aspect allows administrators to enforce policies or restrictions without direct access to the application code, improving security and operational efficiency.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the disabling of the application interface element is performed by sending a window message to the application.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to computer-implemented methods for managing application interface elements, particularly in scenarios where certain elements need to be disabled to prevent user interaction. The problem addressed is ensuring that an application interface element, such as a button or input field, is effectively disabled in a way that prevents user interaction while maintaining system stability and responsiveness. The solution involves sending a window message to the application to disable the interface element, ensuring that the application processes the disable command without requiring additional user input or manual intervention. This method is particularly useful in graphical user interfaces (GUIs) where dynamic disabling of elements is necessary to enforce workflow constraints, security policies, or system state requirements. The approach leverages existing operating system messaging systems to communicate the disable command to the application, allowing for seamless integration with existing software architectures. The method ensures that the disabled state is properly reflected in the user interface, preventing accidental or unauthorized interactions with the element. This technique is applicable in various software environments, including desktop applications, web-based interfaces, and embedded systems where interface element control is critical. The solution improves user experience by preventing errors and enforcing proper system behavior without requiring complex modifications to the application code.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 , wherein the disabling of the application interface element includes disabling a control option in a browser associated with the application.

Plain English Translation

A method for managing application interface elements in a computing environment addresses the problem of unauthorized or unintended access to certain application features, particularly in web-based applications. The method involves selectively disabling specific interface elements, such as control options, to restrict user interactions. In one implementation, the method disables a control option within a browser associated with the application, preventing users from accessing or modifying certain functions. This approach enhances security and user experience by ensuring that only authorized or appropriate actions are available. The method may also include detecting user actions or system conditions that trigger the disabling of these elements, such as unauthorized access attempts or specific user roles. By dynamically adjusting interface availability, the method ensures compliance with security policies and application requirements. The solution is particularly useful in environments where strict control over user interactions is necessary, such as enterprise applications or systems handling sensitive data. The method may be integrated into existing application frameworks or browser extensions to provide seamless functionality.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. A non-transitory computer readable medium including instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform operations for reducing a risk of application errors by disabling application interface elements, the operations comprising: developing a mapping associated with an application, the mapping linking a plurality of application interface elements with a plurality of hooks associated with invocation of the plurality of application interface elements; identifying a permissions profile associated with an identity interacting with the application, the permissions profile specifying rights of the identity to invoke one or more of the plurality of application interface elements; determining, based on the permissions profile, an application interface element from the plurality of application interface elements that the identity is not permitted to invoke; and disabling the application interface element from being invoked by the identity through the application, wherein the disabling of the application interface element includes at least one of: changing a visual appearance of the application interface element, or preventing a graphical depiction of the application interface element.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to reducing application errors by dynamically disabling interface elements based on user permissions. The system maps application interface elements to hooks that trigger their invocation, then checks a user's permissions profile to determine which elements they are not authorized to use. Unauthorized elements are disabled either by altering their visual appearance (e.g., graying out) or by omitting them from the graphical interface entirely. This approach prevents unauthorized users from attempting to invoke restricted functions, thereby reducing errors and improving security. The solution is implemented via executable instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, ensuring that the interface adapts in real-time to the permissions of the current user. By proactively disabling inaccessible elements, the system enhances user experience and system stability while maintaining strict access control. The method applies to any application with a graphical user interface where permissions-based access restrictions are required.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of hooks are each associated with a log file.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing software hooks in a computing environment involves dynamically attaching and detaching hooks to monitor or modify software execution. The hooks are associated with log files to record events or data related to the hooked operations. Each hook is configured to intercept specific function calls, system events, or code execution points within a target application or operating system. The system allows for real-time monitoring, debugging, or security analysis by capturing and logging the intercepted data. The hooks can be selectively enabled or disabled based on predefined conditions or user input, providing flexibility in monitoring different aspects of software behavior. The log files store detailed information about the intercepted events, including timestamps, function parameters, and execution context, enabling comprehensive analysis of software performance, security vulnerabilities, or debugging issues. The system ensures efficient hook management by dynamically adjusting the hook configurations to minimize performance overhead while maintaining accurate logging. This approach is particularly useful in software development, cybersecurity, and system diagnostics, where detailed runtime information is critical for troubleshooting and optimization.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of hooks are each associated with security-sensitive operations.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for enhancing software security by monitoring and controlling security-sensitive operations through a plurality of hooks. The system operates within a computing environment where software applications execute, and it detects and intercepts security-sensitive operations such as file access, network communication, or system calls. Each hook is a software mechanism that monitors and potentially modifies these operations to enforce security policies or detect malicious behavior. The hooks are dynamically inserted into the execution flow of applications, allowing real-time intervention without requiring modifications to the original application code. The system may also log intercepted operations for auditing or analysis. This approach improves security by providing granular control over sensitive actions, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or exploitation. The hooks can be configured to trigger alerts, block operations, or modify parameters based on predefined security rules. The system is particularly useful in environments where applications handle sensitive data or operate in high-security contexts, such as financial systems, healthcare applications, or government networks. By intercepting and validating security-sensitive operations, the system helps prevent data breaches, unauthorized modifications, and other security vulnerabilities.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the mapping is developed through a learning process involving the invocation of the plurality of application interface elements.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer-implemented system for dynamically mapping user interactions with application interface elements to specific actions or outcomes. The technology addresses the challenge of efficiently translating user inputs into desired system responses, particularly in complex software environments where direct mappings between interface elements and actions are not predefined or are subject to frequent changes. The system includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, perform a learning process to develop a mapping between user interactions and application actions. This learning process involves invoking multiple application interface elements, such as buttons, menus, or input fields, and analyzing the resulting system behavior. The system dynamically updates the mapping based on observed interactions, allowing it to adapt to new or modified interface elements without requiring manual reprogramming. The learning process may involve machine learning techniques, such as reinforcement learning or supervised learning, to refine the mapping over time. The system can also track user feedback or system performance metrics to further optimize the mapping. This approach reduces the need for hardcoded mappings and improves flexibility in dynamic or evolving software environments. The invention is particularly useful in applications where user interfaces are frequently updated or where user behavior patterns influence system functionality.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15 , wherein the learning process is automated.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to automated learning processes in computer systems, particularly for optimizing machine learning models. The technology addresses the challenge of efficiently training and refining machine learning models without extensive manual intervention, improving accuracy and adaptability in dynamic environments. The system automates the learning process by continuously analyzing input data, adjusting model parameters, and refining predictions based on feedback. This automation reduces the need for human oversight, accelerates model training, and enhances performance in real-time applications. The invention may also include preprocessing data to improve learning efficiency and using feedback loops to iteratively enhance model accuracy. By automating these steps, the system ensures consistent and scalable learning, making it suitable for applications like predictive analytics, natural language processing, and adaptive control systems. The automated learning process dynamically adapts to new data, maintaining high performance without manual adjustments. This approach minimizes errors and optimizes resource utilization, making it valuable for industries requiring rapid, accurate decision-making.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 15 , wherein the learning process is based on static analysis of a control flow associated with the application.

Plain English Translation

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for analyzing and improving software applications, particularly focusing on security and performance optimization. The core problem addressed is the need for automated tools that can assess software behavior without executing the code, reducing risks associated with runtime analysis while improving efficiency. The method involves a learning process that examines the control flow of an application through static analysis. Static analysis refers to techniques that evaluate the code structure, logic paths, and potential execution flows without running the program. This approach identifies vulnerabilities, inefficiencies, or compliance issues by analyzing how different code segments interact, including conditional branches, loops, and function calls. The learning process may also incorporate machine learning or rule-based systems to detect patterns indicative of security flaws, such as injection points or improper data handling. The system generates recommendations or modifications to the application based on the analysis, such as suggesting code refactoring, adding security checks, or optimizing resource usage. The static analysis may be applied to various programming languages and frameworks, making it adaptable to different software environments. The goal is to enhance software reliability, security, and performance while minimizing manual review efforts.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 12 , where the plurality of hooks are application programming interface hooks associated with the application.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for monitoring and analyzing software applications by intercepting and processing function calls within an application. The technology addresses the challenge of gaining visibility into application behavior without requiring source code modifications or extensive instrumentation. The system uses a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed, implement a monitoring framework. This framework includes a plurality of hooks, specifically application programming interface (API) hooks, that intercept function calls made by the application. The hooks are configured to capture data related to these function calls, such as parameters, return values, and execution timing. The captured data is then processed to generate insights into the application's performance, security, and behavior. The system may also include additional components for filtering, aggregating, or visualizing the intercepted data. The hooks are dynamically applied to the application's API calls, allowing real-time monitoring without altering the application's original codebase. This approach enables developers and administrators to analyze application behavior, detect anomalies, and optimize performance efficiently. The solution is particularly useful for debugging, security analysis, and performance profiling in complex software environments.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the disabling of the application interface element is performed remotely from the application.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for remotely controlling the functionality of application interface elements in a software application. The technology addresses the need to dynamically adjust or restrict user interactions with specific interface elements, such as buttons, menus, or input fields, without modifying the application code itself. This is particularly useful in environments where centralized control over user permissions or feature availability is required, such as enterprise software, educational platforms, or regulated applications. The invention involves a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, enable a remote server to disable or modify the behavior of an application interface element. The system includes a client application running on a user device and a remote server that communicates with the client to enforce restrictions. The server sends commands to the client application, instructing it to disable or alter the functionality of specific interface elements. The client application then applies these restrictions, preventing users from interacting with the designated elements or modifying their behavior as specified by the remote server. This approach allows administrators to enforce policies, restrict access to certain features, or comply with regulatory requirements without requiring updates to the application itself. The remote control mechanism ensures that changes take effect immediately across all instances of the application, providing centralized management and consistency.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the disabling of the application interface element is performed by sending a window message to the application.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing application interface elements in a computing environment addresses the problem of unintended or unauthorized access to sensitive or restricted functionality within software applications. The invention provides a mechanism to selectively disable specific interface elements, such as buttons, menus, or input fields, to prevent user interaction with them. This is particularly useful in scenarios where certain features should be restricted based on user permissions, system state, or security policies. The invention involves a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed, perform operations to disable an application interface element by sending a window message to the application. The window message instructs the application to modify the state of the interface element, rendering it inactive or visually indicating its disabled state. This approach ensures that the application itself handles the disabling process, maintaining compatibility with existing software while enforcing restrictions dynamically. The system may also include a monitoring component that detects conditions triggering the disabling of interface elements, such as user authentication status or system configuration changes. The instructions further enable re-enabling the interface element when conditions permit, ensuring seamless user experience while maintaining security. This method is applicable to various software applications, including desktop, web, and mobile applications, where interface element control is necessary for security, compliance, or usability reasons.

Claim 21

Original Legal Text

21. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 12 , wherein the disabling of the application interface element includes disabling a control option in a browser associated with the application.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for managing application interface elements in a computing environment, particularly in web browsers, to enhance security and user experience. The invention addresses the problem of unauthorized or unintended access to certain browser controls that could compromise security or disrupt functionality. The solution involves selectively disabling specific control options within a browser interface to prevent unauthorized actions, such as modifying browser settings, accessing developer tools, or executing scripts that could interfere with the application's operation. The disabling mechanism is implemented through a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions that, when executed, enforce the restrictions on the browser's control options. This ensures that only authorized users or processes can interact with critical browser functions, thereby maintaining the integrity and security of the application. The system may also include additional features such as conditional disabling based on user roles, session states, or security policies, allowing for dynamic adaptation to different operational contexts. The overall approach improves security by limiting exposure to vulnerable browser controls while preserving the intended functionality for legitimate users.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

December 29, 2020

Inventors

Evgeny Beskrovny

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Cite as: Patentable. “CLASSIFICATION OF GUI ITEMS ACCORDING TO EXPOSURE TO SECURITY SENSITIVE OPERATIONS” (10878129). https://patentable.app/patents/10878129

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